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Methodology and Explanation 2007 Goals of this unit To introduce research methods in human computer interaction To explore qualitative and quantative methods To gain experience in putting these methods into practice To gain a critical understanding of analytic techniques

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Methodology and Explanation 2007 Aim To answer a question or test an hypothesis that predicts a relationship between two or more events, known as variables. E.g. Will spatial knowledge be superior following exploration of a VR simulation of a building or from exploring a model of a building?

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Methodology and Explanation 2007 Variables Such hypotheses are tested by manipulating one or more of the variables. The variable that is manipulated is called the independent variable (the conditions to test this variable are setup independently before the experiment starts). In the study mentioned media type (VR vs model) is the independent measure The dependent variable would be accuracy of spatial information (ie time to reach point a from point b) because the hypothesis is that the time to carry out the task depends on the media explored.

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Methodology and Explanation 2007 Variables and Conditions In order to test an hypothesis the experimenter sets up the experimental conditions e.g. Condition 1 Pretest Explore model Post test Condition 2 Pretest Explore VR Post test Control condition – against which to compare the results?

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Methodology and Explanation 2007 Participants Between participants Two drawbacks – no. of participants needed, individual differences Advantage – no order effects Within participants Counterbalancing required Matched pairs on characteristics such as gender and expertise Difficult to match across all variables

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Methodology and Explanation 2007 Practicalities Where will the experiment be carried out? How will the equipment be set-up? How does one introduce participants to study? What scripts are need to standardise the procedure? Always include pilot study

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Methodology and Explanation 2007 Data Collection and Analysis Data – performance measures are taken e.g. response times, no. of errors Use graphs The data should be averaged across conditions to examine any differences Statistical tests such as t-tests and ANOVAs can reveal whether the differences are significant Software packages such as SPSS are often used If there is no significant difference then the hypothesis is refuted.

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